Sunday 20 March, 2011 was the global day of action in support of Bradley Manning, the young US armyman accused of leaking classified documents to Wikileaks. Despite the rain, Byron shire supporters of Bradley Manning sprouted like mushrooms in the most unlikely of places, including the Byron markets, the streets, the beaches and at shopping centres.
Manning has been charged with 33 counts, including treason, and currently languishes in solitary confinement in a jail in the US, in conditions described as harsh and punitive. The documents that Manning is alleged to have leaked include the explosive video 'Collateral Murder', showing the indiscriminate killing of a dozen civilians in Baghdad, incl Reuters employees (http://www.collateralmurder.com/) and the release of thousands of diplomatic cables, painting a graphic picture of US meddling in international forums, including spying on the UN.
While Manning is seen as a traitor by the US government, in the eyes of thousands the world over Manning is a modern day hero - a young man who heeded the voice of his conscience and stood up to be counted. Manning's treatment has been condemned by civil liberties groups worldwide.
More on this miscarriage of justice and the international campaign to fight for Manning's human rights can be seen at www.bradleymanning.org and https://www.facebook.com/savebradley
Pics: Harsha, supported by Eels Villaroy
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